The Sick and the Dead

[captainsblog]

I had a few brief minutes to kill yesterday between office supply purchasing and the arrival of the post at my office, so naturally I spent it in Barnes and Noble. Nothing really jumped out at me until I started to leave empty-handed, and there, among the rock bottom remainders, was a five-dollar hardcover (four with member discount:) of this-



- only not that cover, for some reason.  There's a bitter irony in a novel of that title winding up on a clearance table, but I'm sure it will take nothing away from the content.

I've not heard anything recently about Sir Terence's current condition; this book dates to 2007, but I do see that he published another one last year and is scheduled for another YA title later in 2010. If any of you are in the know about such Unseen things (to me, anyway), I'd love to hear. Especially if it's good news.

----

In a bit over an hour, it's back to church. One of our retired ministers, who was there for the longest time of our 15-year membership until last June and is still a member, is holding a memorial service for her father, who died earlier this month after a very long illness.  Gail went through her own version of The Special Hell, totally without any cause on her part, over the past year or so. First, her longtime soulmate died at the beginning of the year after what was promised to be some routine surgery and wound up leading to the discovery of some major cancerous stuff.  Next, one of her closest friends in the local faith community, the cantor of our sortof sister synagogue, died in the Flight 3407 plane crash as she was flying home from a February vacation in the Caribbean. Where was Gail at the time? On a different February vacation in the Caribbean. Ouch.  Then Russ started to fail, slowly and, for sure, painfully for her as the only real caregiver left in the immediate fam (that we ever knew of, anyway).

We didn't know her father all that well, but we simply adore her and would do anything for her. Tonight that means a lending of support and love. Russ has moved on, but Gail is still very much with us and as deserving of your prayers/vibes/Force manifestations as just about anyone I know.

Comments

[liddle-oldman.livejournal.com]

Unseen Academicals is -- still him. He's still here.

[bill_sheehan.livejournal.com]

Making Money is the second Moist von Lipwig book. You'll enjoy it more if you've read Going Postal first. Both are some of his best work, so I've no idea why it should be remaindered.

I've now read the complete canon of Discworld books, including his most recent, Unseen Academicals. It's not his best, but it was still pretty good. There is a definite difference in his tone, and I think it's because he had to dictate this one as he can no longer type.

There's no good news, alas. He's now having difficulty reading. He's already stated that he has no intention of staying too long at the party, but the Alzheimer's adds a new dimension. It's one thing when you have, say, liver cancer. You can choose to put your affairs in order, make your goodbyes, and end things. But when the problem is in your brain, who is it that is making the choices? Do you enjoy the good times, or use a period of lucidity to make the final arrangements?

It is, as he says, an embuggerance.

[troubleagain.livejournal.com]

An embuggerance indeed.

[troubleagain.livejournal.com]

I hope you enjoy Making Money, but I didn't like it as much as Going Postal or The Truth.

[headbanger118.livejournal.com]

Wow...he certainly seems prolific. IF you like said book, you'll have plenty to go back and read.

Prayers are being sent for Gail and her family. Support by simply being there is a wonderful thing.